Switcher for product supply lines and a machine equipped with the switcher

Abstract

The switcher comprises a support frame ( 2 ), a guide channel ( 13 ) rotatably mobile about a fixed axis ( 8 ) and a telescopic channel ( 15 ) located at an end ( 14 ) of the guide channel ( 13 ) and being slidable with respect thereto. The switcher ( 1 ) comprises a support element ( 6 ), connected to the guide channel ( 13 ), having a first end ( 7 ) hinged to a first transversal portion ( 4 ) of the frame ( 2 ) at the fixed axis ( 8 ), a first cursor ( 16 ) slidable on the support element ( 6 ) and connected to the telescopic channel ( 15 ), a second cursor ( 17 ) slidable on the support element ( 6 ) and a con rod ( 21 ) having a first end ( 22 ) hinged to the first transversal portion ( 4 ) of the frame ( 2 ) and a second end ( 24 ) hinged to the second cursor ( 17 ). The invention also relates to a machine for separating or grouping products provided with the switcher ( 1 ).

1. A switcher for product supply lines, comprising:
 a support frame ( 2 ); 
 at least a guide channel ( 13 ) internally of which products move, which guide channel ( 13 ) is rotatably mobile about an axis ( 8 ) which axis ( 8 ) is fixed with respect to the frame ( 2 ); 
 a telescopic channel ( 15 ), internally of which the products move, which is located at an end ( 14 ) of the guide channel ( 13 ) and is slidably mobile with respect to the guide channel ( 13 ); 
 a rest plane ( 3 ) for the products which move internally of the guide channel ( 13 ) and the telescopic channel ( 15 ); 
 characterised in that it further comprises: 
 a support element ( 6 ), connected to the guide channel ( 13 ), having a first end ( 7 ) hinged to a first transversal portion ( 4 ) of the frame ( 2 ) by means of a pivot ( 9 ) through which passes the axis ( 8 ) about which the guide channel ( 13 ) rotates; 
 a first cursor ( 16 ) which is slidably mobile on the support element ( 6 ) and which is connected to the telescopic channel ( 15 ); 
 a second cursor ( 17 ) which is slidably mobile on the support element ( 6 ); 
 a con rod ( 21 ) having a first end ( 22 ) hinged to the first transversal portion ( 4 ) of the frame ( 2 ) and a second end ( 24 ) hinged to the second cursor ( 17 ). 
 
   
   
     2. The switcher of  claim 1 , characterised in that the support element ( 6 ) and the first cursor ( 16 ) and the second cursor ( 17 ) constitute a linear motor. 
   
   
     3. The switcher of  claim 1 , characterised in that the support element ( 6 ) comprises a plurality of permanent magnets ( 18 ) aligned along a longitudinal development of the support element ( 6 ). 
   
   
     4. The switcher of  claim 3 , characterised in that the plurality of permanent magnets ( 18 ) define a track ( 20 ). 
   
   
     5. The switcher of  claim 4 , characterised in that the first cursor ( 16 ) comprises a coil ( 19 ) interacting with the permanent magnets ( 18 ) of the support element ( 6 ) in order to slide on the track ( 20 ), causing a lengthening or a shortening of the telescopic channel ( 15 ) with respect to the guide channel ( 13 ). 
   
   
     6. The switcher of  claim 4 , characterised in that the second cursor ( 17 ) comprises a coil ( 19 ) interacting with the permanent magnets ( 18 ) of the support element in order to slide on the track ( 20 ), causing, following interaction with the con rod ( 21 ), a rotation of the support element ( 6 ) about the axis ( 8 ) passing through the pivot ( 9 ). 
   
   
     7. The switcher of  claim 1 , characterised in that the support element ( 6 ) exhibits a straight development. 
   
   
     8. The switcher of  claim 1 , characterised in that the guide channel ( 13 ) exhibits a straight development. 
   
   
     9. The switcher of  claim 8 , characterised in that the telescopic channel ( 15 ) is a prolongation of the guide channel ( 13 ). 
   
   
     10. The switcher of  claim 9 , characterised in that the guide channel ( 13 ) and the telescopic channel ( 15 ) are hung below the support element ( 6 ). 
   
   
     11. The switcher of  claim 1 , characterised in that the support element ( 6 ) exhibits a second end ( 10 ) which is provided with rest means ( 11 ). 
   
   
     12. The switcher of  claim 11 , characterised in that the rest means ( 11 ) comprise at least a sliding system ( 12 ) by means of which the second end ( 10 ) of the support element ( 6 ) slides on a second transversal portion ( 5 ) of the frame ( 2 ), parallel to the first transversal portion ( 4 ). 
   
   
     13. The switcher of  claim 1 , characterised in that the rest plane ( 3 ) is positioned inferiorly of the guide channel ( 13 ) and the telescopic channel ( 15 ). 
   
   
     14. A switcher machine, comprising at least a supply line for products and a plurality of output conduits for the products, characterised in that it comprises a switcher ( 1 ) as in  claim 1 , located between the supply line and the plurality of output conduits. 
   
   
     15. A machine for grouping products, comprising a plurality of product supply conduits and at least an output line of the products, characterised in that it comprises a switcher ( 1 ) as in  claim 1 , located between the plurality of supply conduits and the output line.